In preparation for the monsoon, the BMC trimmed branches of trees dotting many city roads, to prevent accidents. However, it seems to have forgotten to do the same on the Eastern Freeway, where branches spilling onto the road
Non-functional streetlights and fallen branches have made it difficult for commuters to use Eastern Freeway. Pic/ Pradeep Dhivar
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In preparation for the monsoon, the BMC trimmed branches of trees dotting many city roads, to prevent accidents. However, it seems to have forgotten to do the same on the Eastern Freeway, where branches spilling onto the road were seen in many spots.
To make matters worse, a half kilometre eastbound stretch of the Freeway (Ghatkopar to Panjarpol Link Road) doesn’t have streetlights in working condition.
The MMRDA had handed over the Freeway to the BMC over a year back, and at present, the civic body is in-charge of its repair and maintenance.
In the wee hours of Tuesday, when mid-day visited the stretch between Anik Panjarpol and Wadala to Orange Gate section, it found overhanging tree branches, coming onto the road, in several places, a particularly serious hazard during the monsoon, as it increases the chances of accidents due to low visibility.
Vasai resident Aditya Gupte, who travels on the Freeway frequently, said, "Over a week back, when I was passing over it, I was shocked to see that in many places branches of the trees from below had come onto the Freeway. This is dangerous, particularly so during the monsoon, as one can meet with an accident. The BMC should immediately trim these branches and also get the streetlights on the Ghatkopar-Panjarpol Link Road stretch working again."
Despite repeated attempts, officials at the BMC were unavailable for comment.
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